Falkirk Council acts on wardens cut

Police Scotland has backed down - for the moment - over concerns about the withdrawal of traffic wardens. Picture: Michael Gillen (133007)

Scott McAngus

Police have delayed the date for withdrawing traffic wardens from local streets after being threatened with legal action by Falkirk Council.

The council, along with Scottish Borders and Stirling local authorities, issued a writ to Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Sir Stephen House last week demanding a rethink over the policy to stop providing parking enforcement.

Councillor Craig Martin, leader of Falkirk Council, said the withdrawal will cause parking chaos in towns, be a fnancial burden on taxpayers and impact on disabled people.

The move could also force the council to consider contracting private firms to police parking fines resulting in more tickets being issued.

Mr Martin said: “We think we have a good case that there has not been a thorough consultation or impact assessment carried out by Police Scotland. We are trying to protect taxpayers from a further financial burden, which this will impose on them.”

The council leader also said the decision to move forward with legal action will be taken by councillors in the coming weeks.

Police Scotland want to divert the cash saved from wardens to providing more officers on the beat. Parking on double yellow lines will still be an offence, enforceable by ordinary police officers, but the council is concerned they are likely to have other priorities.

Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson said: “In those areas where traffic warden service has been withdrawn, or parking enforcement decriminalised, police officers have continued to work with local stakeholders to identify areas affected by problematic parking, targeting them during periods of directed action.”

Central Scotland list MSP Margaret Mitchell said: “There is a grave danger that, with police no longer in charge of parking enforcement, this will become a gravy train for parking wardens.”